It seems like pro skaters are at skate shops (particularly Active) almost every other day.  I have a theory that these guys who are under contract might be like slaves.  You can’t beat corporate America.  I have noticed thought that there aren’t as many team signings though.  I think the skaters’ hands were close to coming off. 

Anyway two of the sickest dudes in the world are scheduled for a meet and greet at the Active in Chino Hills on Wednesday, December 3rd at 7 PM.  Generally, skating doesn’t get any better than these guys. 

Also, check out the Day in the Life of Billy Marks over at TRANSWORLD.  I didn’t know that Billy lives in Corona.  That’s dope.  Corona is the Diamond of the Inland Empire.  And the AROMA is nice there too. 

If you’re a dope enough skater, then you don’t need me to tell you that the 3rd Annual Active Amateur Invite is going down this weekend.  Don’t let the flyer fool you.  This isn’t a contest for you TRANS AM enthusiast.  Although that would be pretty cool.  It would be the biggest gathering of old school mullets, hipsters, and bros in one setting.  But rather it’s an event for you amateurs good enough to be invited to partake to this mega event.

The contest takes place at Active Headquarters in Mira Loma, California on November 22nd, from 11AM – 5PM.  Over 35 of the world’s best skaters will be competing for a piece of the $12,000 purse and prizes.  Admission is free for those of you who can make it out.  If you can’t make it, well then you can view it online on the live web cast at Activerideshop.com. 

If you’re bitter and can’t make it out, maybe you should take the drive out to Active in Las Americas (where the heck is that?) for a Paul Rodriguez meet and greet.  Maybe he can influence you to be a better skate so that you can get the invite for next year.  This event takes place on the same day at 2PM.  And all Plan B decks are only $35.  Check out the flyer for more details. 

The eS Team is going the extra mile in getting to know their communities.  Make the trek to meet Bobby Worrest, Rick McCrank, Nyjah Huston, Javier Sarmeinto and the rest at two different locations.  Up first on Saturday, November 29th from 2-6PM, the eS guys will be at Industrial Rideshop at the Hollywood Skatepark.  Don’t the name fool you.  They aren’t going to be in Hollywood, Florida, but the Hollywood Skatepark in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

After a long night of raging, boozing, and partying with strippers (possibly the Thunder from Down Under), the eS team will be making the trip back to Long Beach, California to visit the Active Store.  That team signing will take place at 1PM.  What demo and team signing would be complete without Active in the picture? Well if one wasn’t enough, they are on the road again to visit Active at the Irvine Spectrum at 4PM.  These guys are working harder than Sarah Palin. 

Active in Mira Loma California (I don’t know, Mapquest it) will be having a warehouse blowout sale with gear up to 70% off this Saturday November 1st.  I’m not sure if you will be able to find any skates, or sleds, or blades for those of you who partake in those sports but at least you can get the proper apparel so you don’t look like a doofus. 

Plus Active will be selling Mountain High season passes for an incredible $299 saving you up to $300 off the regular price.  And I’m pretty sure you sledders, figure skaters, bladers may partake as well.  It doesn’t stop there; Active will be giving away free Mountain High lift tickets while supplies last.  I would sleep over for that and sell them on Ebay or something.  Check out the flyer below for more info.  

All of them will be there, Ellington, Greco, Lizard King, and the rest of the Hessians will be there in full gear to represent Deathwish and to sign any part of your body.  But with great Hessianess comes great Hessian responsibility.  So with that, Jim Greco’s band Jimmy Sweet And The Loved will be doing a live performance for all you little Hessians in training.  

So make sure to prepare your tightest pants, your darkest eyeliner, and frizziest hair for this special event.  Not sure if there are too many kids with that kind of style in Burbank.  Maybe they should have looked into doing this in the Inland Empire.  And I know they aren’t your classic Hessian band, but regardless, it should be a fun evening.  Plus I have a prediction.  This time next week we should have a new president.   If Obama wins have fun.  The party has already started.  If McCain wins, good luck finding Active Burbank because the entire country will have burned down by then. Check it!

Definitely one of the more interesting people in skateboarding, Braydon Szafranski will be answering your questions through Active.  Now is your opportnity to pick apart one of your idol’s brains to see what he thinks about issues like the state of skateboarding today.  You can go to the Active Website to leave a few questions but it can’t be any later than November 10th.  Braydon’s response video will be posted within two weeks after that date.  Not only that, but the one who asks Braydon’s favorite question will receive an Emerica Prize Package.  

I’m sure that there are a million questions mangling your mind right now so let me offer you a moment of clarity to help boost your chances of getting your voice heard and perhaps getting you that Emerica package.  Here are a few suggestions.

1. Braydon, you have such a unique style especially with your tatts.  How much influence does Lil Wayne have on your style?
2. Do blondes really have more fun?
3. Since you’re such a party animal, what do you think are Cynthia McKinney’s chances at her run for presidency representing the Green Party?

Jamie Thomas is many things: Professional Skateboarder, business owner, family man, and director of everything Black Box is going to be answering your questions! Ask him whatever you’d like to know from his long, amazing, and hessian career, which don’t seem to slow down.  If you’re lucky enough and not boring, he’ll pick your question and answer them for you on ActiveRideShop.com You have until October 20th to get your questions in and they will post the video of Jamie’s answers by November 1st.

Don’t think that just because Jamie Thomas is like God to you, that you can’t go ahead and ask him the hard-hitting questions people often avoid.  Like, “So Jamie, you went from having the baldest head in skating to the most hessian.  How do you do it?”  Or for instance, “Jamie, do you think that Sarah Palin is a bimbo?” 

I really don’t think he will shy away from the topics that matter and I encourage all of you out there to partake in this important discussion.  Make sure you get to Active in time to allow Jamie enough time let your questions sink in.

These two heavy weights will be doing a signing at Active in Valencia California.  The signing takes place on Sunday October 12th from 2PM – 4PM.  This should be a fun one.  While there, maybe pick up a new Girl deck or possibly some Lakai’s because they are on sale.  So stock up!

Some of Lakai’s best, Eric Koston, Guy Mariano, Mike Mo Capaldi, Mike Carroll, Rick Howard, and Marc Johnson will be at Active (drumroll please…) Temecula!  Congratulations to you all in the Temecula area.  The all star event takes place on Saturday, September 27th at 1PM.

And guess what, there will be a second team signing at guess where, another Active Ride Shop!  The second team signing will take place at Active… Riverside!  That signing will take place on Saturday, October 4th at 1PM.  Be there or be square.  You can check out all the details on the flyer.